2024 Tim Smith Wines MGS

Tim Smith has a soft spot for the Rhône, but his wines are pure Barossa at heart - generous, structured and built with drinkability first and foremost at the front of mind. The MGS flips the classic GSM blend on its head, putting Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) in charge, backed up by Grenache and Shiraz.

The result is a dark, savoury red with great depth and shape - more earth and spice than fruit bomb. You get that Mataro broodiness sitting over bright Grenache fruit and Shiraz flesh, all tied together with excellent balance.

The 2024 vintage is fresh and quite bright for the style, with a bit more lift than usual thanks to a cooler growing season. It’s a wine that works just as well with a mid-week quaffer as it does on the table at Christmas. At around thirty bucks, it’s one of the best-value reds coming out of the Barossa right now.

It's a cracker of a wine, full of energy, dark berries and spice. It'll also stand the test of time in the cellar, if you can resist the urge to drink it now.

96 points
"Find me a better red at this price. I dare you."
- Nick Ryan (The Australian)